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Watches For Sale
Rolex Datejust 31MM 18K Yellow Gold Steel Diamond Silver Dial Watch 178343
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned like new condition. Box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Steel

Bulgari 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tubogas Serpenti Bracelet Watch
Located in Milano, IT
This iconic Bulgari Tubogas ladies’ watch is a true masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, it features th...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Montblanc Meisterstuck Chronograph Wristwatch Ref. 7001
Located in Manhasset, NY
Montblanc Meisterstuck Chronograph watch, model 7001, features a lustrous gold-plated stainless steel case paired elegantly with a black dial. The case measures 38mm in diameter (42...
Category

2010s European Watches

Patek Philippe Vintage 18K Gold Cocktail Ladies' Watch in Original Box, c1962.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
"You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation." This sophisticated ladies’ timepiece is a rare & classy 18K Gold Retro Patek Philippe ref 3306 ladies’ cocktail wristwatch An epitome of timeless luxury & sophistication, this ladies’ dress watch is dating from c1962 yet it’s in beautiful condition & in excellent working order This exquisite timepiece features: 18K Solid Yellow Gold Case, well-proportioned & comfortable, measuring 18mm, featuring elegant single lugs & signed crown, Caseback is numbered (2627782; 3306 1) & stamped 18K 750 on inside, bearing Swiss hallmarks, signed Patek Philippe Beige coloured Dial is in beautiful original condition, adorned with grey coloured, easy to read baton indexes Powered by Patek Philippe Swiss Manual Movement, caliber 13.5, 20 jewels, signed & numbered The watch secures on a wrist with an 18K solid gold bracelet...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Bulgari Serpenti Snake Steel and and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2015 Bulgari "Serpenti" collection snake Wrist Watch, 31 X 23 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 piece case with Diamonds set Bezel, Silver satin engine turned dial with raised Roman numer...
Category

2010s Italian Watches

Materials

Diamond, Steel

Mens Rolex 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date 14k Gold ss 1960s Automatic Vintage RA168B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless classic, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500 automatic with 14k solid gold bezel, c.1969. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed gold dial, ...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 31 18K White Gold Steel Light Pink MOP Diamond Dial Watch 178344
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with the original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 178344 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switze...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Tiffany & Co. Ladies Art Deco Watch circa 1920's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Tiffany & Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Dress Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum & Diamonds CIRCA / YEAR: 1920's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 16mm MOVEME...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Platinum

Vacheron & Constantin. A Rare $20 Gold Double Eagle Coin Watch C1960s
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Rare Vintage, Vacheron & Constantin Twenty Dollar Double Eagle Gold coin watch, C1960s. Dial: The original condition plain champagne bl...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date President 36mm Rose Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Mens Watch 118235
Located in Aventura, FL
Rolex President Day-Date Rose Gold Meteorite Diamond Dial Mens Watch 118235. Officially certified chronometer automatic self-winding movement. Double-quick set function. 18k Everose ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Mens Rolex Oyster Datejust 1601 14k Gold Diamond Dial Automatic 1960s RA412B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Striking luxurious classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex 1601 Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic diamond dial and bezel, c.1968, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed black dial, gilt minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, luxurious aftermarket diamond set hour markers, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age if any. Acrylic crystal. Stunning diamond set in 14k gold bezel, 14k solid gold case measures 36mm wide, in pristine condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket leather strap and buckle. Iconic classic, Men's 14k solid gold Rolex Datejust...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

14k Gold

Patek Philippe Early Art Deco Cushion shape 18 Karat Gold watch Circa 1927-1928
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Patek Philippe Early Art Deco Cushion shape watch Circa 1927-1928, The watch is made in 18K yellow gold and measuring 31 x31 mm. The watch is fit...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Datejust 28 18K Rose Gold Steel Purple Diamond Dial Watch 279171 B&P
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned like new condition. Comes with original box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust 279171 Model Number: 279171 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzer...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Vacheron Constantin 18Kt Solid White Gold Dress Watch circa 1980's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Vacheron & Constantin STYLE / REFERENCE: Dress Bracelet Watch METAL / MATERIAL: 18Kt Solid White Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1980's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 31mm X Width 25...
Category

1980s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Lady Datejust 26 18K White Gold Steel Silver Dial Ladies Watch 179174 B&P
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned like new condition. Comes with a box and papers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Unworn Rolex Sky-Dweller Jubilee Yellow Gold Steel Black Dial Watch B&P 336933
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. It comes with an original box and papers. 5-year Rolex warranty.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Breitling Vintage Chronograph Pilot Wrist Watch from 1970, Ref 1806, Full Set
Located in Antwerp, BE
Breitling Vintage Chronograph Pilot Wrist Watch from 1970, Ref 1806 Comes with box and warranty ! From 1970 s A rare collectors piece ! Movement: A...
Category

20th Century Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Piaget 18k White Gold Onyx & Pave Dial Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Piaget Ref. 9553 D2 Ladies' wristwatch is an exquisite timepiece crafted from 18k white gold, featuring a stunning contrast of onyx and a pave diamond dial. Its hexagonal case is...
Category

1970s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Cartier Tank 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Cartier Tank 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch - Mechanical. 18K Yellow gold ; blue sapphire cabochon in crown (24mm diameter). White dial with bl...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Omega Lady Constellation Ref 1167.75.00. Mother of Pearl Dial, Diamonds, 18ct...
Located in Canterbury, England
Our very rare Omega Lady Constellation is a reference 1167.75.00 which features a 22.5mm case in 18k yellow gold, factory set with diamonds, mother of pearl dial also with diamonds a...
Category

2010s Watches

Zenith Port Royal automatic ref. 01-0091-346 Watch
Located in Toronto, CA
Description Brand: Zenith Model: Port Royal Reference Number: 01-0091-346 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements :...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Exceptional Baume Mercier Ladies Tiger Eye Dial Wristwatch 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Media, PA
This exquisite Baume & Mercier ladies watch is a timeless addition to any collection. Crafted from 18K gold, this wristwatch features a round case and a sleek analog display. The ric...
Category

1980s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bueche Girod Vintage 74.30 Grams 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watch
Located in New York, NY
Designer: BUECHE GIROD Title: Bueche Girod 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Watches Style: Bracelet Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dimension: 7"WIDE-0.94IN Weight: 74.3 Grams ...
Category

20th Century Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Longines 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Set Watch Circa 1988
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
A late 1980s Longines watch is crafted 18k yellow gold with a factory made mesh band with an adjustable clasp stamped Longines. Featuring a frosted gold dial surrounded by brilliant ...
Category

1980s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Breguet Marine Chronograph 5827BR/Z2/5ZU 18K Rose Rubber Strap Gray Dial B&P
Located in New York, NY
The Breguet Marine Chronograph 5827BR/Z2/5ZU is a refined and sporty timepiece that blends Breguet’s maritime heritage with luxurious design. Housed in a 42mm 18K rose gold case and ...
Category

2010s Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 2-Tone Men's Watch 17013
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust 2-Tone Men's Watch 17013 - Quartz, Quickset date, sapphire crystal. Stainless steel case with yellow gold fluted bezel. White dial with raised gold Roman ...
Category

20th Century Swiss Watches

Rolex Datejust 31MM 18K Rose Gold Steel White Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 178271
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned in excellent condition. Comes with a box and papers. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Datejust Model Number: 178271 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, Steel

Rolex Datejust II 116334 41mm Black Diamond Roman Numerals Diamond Bezel Steel
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116334 Serial: V774*** Year: 2009 Model: Rolex Datejust II Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Custom Diamond Bezel ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Tennis His & Her Wristwatch Set Geneva Quartz Two-Tone Gold and Silver Plated
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Geneva His & Her Quartz Two-Tone Wristwatch Set offers a blend of elegance and precision that’s perfect for couples. Each watch is crafted with...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate

Cartier Declaration 16 X 31mm 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Titanium Ladies Watch 2611
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned and in Excellent condition. Brand new band. General Information Brand: Cartier Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Model Name: Cartier Declaration Model Number: 2611 Countr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Titanium

Cartier Tank Must 29.5mm Roman Silver Dial Calf Skin Steel Quartz Watch WSTA0110
Located in Aventura, FL
Louis Cartier created the Tank watch in 1917. A legend was born. The first prototype was presented as a gift to General Pershing some years before the watch was introduced into the m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Vintage Cartier Paris Vintage Tank Lc Large, "Extra Thin", circa 1975-1980
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Cartier Paris Vintage Tank LC GM Extra Thin, Large size made in 18K yellow 1st series, Circa 1975-1980. The watch measures 24 x 30 x 4.4mm thick...
Category

1970s French Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Tank Americane Mm Ladies 18k; Discontinued, circa 1990s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introduction: Cartier American Tank, MM Ladies 18K yellow gold watch measuring 20 x 35mm. The watch if fitted with a quartz movement, and is acc...
Category

Early 2000s Swiss Art Deco Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe 5100J Millennial Limited Edition 10-Day Power Reserve Watch B&P
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This Patek Philippe 5100J Millennium Limited Edition 10-Day Power Reserve watch features a large oversized Gondolo rectangular shaped case, with an manual wind 10-Day power reserve 25-20 220 PS IRM caliber movement, with a small seconds dial, 10 Day Power Reserve indicator dial. Further with new Patek alligator strap with original8K Yellow Gold Patek buckle. Accessories: Accompanied by letter of attestation from Patek Philippe, Certificate of Origin, commemorative plaque, product literature, and leather folder Essay: 5100: To celebrate the manufacture’s entry into the third millennium, Patek Philippe released several new references to commemorate the dawn of a new age, including the present reference 5100. Other limited edition releases included the time-only reference 5032 and the Star Caliber 2000, a double-sided pocket watch with 21 total complications. Often watch brands draw on the past to remake the future, but few do so with quite the finesse and excellence of Patek Philippe. Brand values commited to precision, quality, and outstanding craftsmanship have gone a long way in making Patek Philippe watches...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Ebel Beluga 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Ebel Beluga is a stunning example of Swiss craftsmanship. Featuring a round case made of luxurious 18k gold, this watch combines elegance with precision through its reliable quartz m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Rolex Explorer Date 5701
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage stainless steel and yellow gold Rolex Explorer Date ref. 5701 automatic movement wristwatch. Featuring well aged champagne dial with applied dagger-style hour markers. Com...
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rolex Vintage Ladies 18k Yellow Gold w Chased Bezel
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A luxurious Rolex watch, crafted in 18k Yellow Gold, featuring an intricate mesh bracelet design and a refined dial. Total weight: 73.08g
Category

1960s Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

NEW Rolex Datejust 36mm Steel 18k White Gold Blue Dial Fluted Watch 126234
Located in New York, NY
Brand new. Comes with box and paper full set.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Deco Machine Age 1940 Wristwatch in 14k Gold with 5.54ctw Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Retro Machine age geometric Wristwatch. Fabulous ladies bracelet wristwatch, created in America during the transitional periods of the art deco and the retro, back in the late 1930'...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Vintage Art Deco Silver and Diamond Wrist Watch
Located in Cairo, EG
Vintage silver wrist watch in art deco style in geometric designe with 6 large old mine cut diamonds 3.7mm each stone diameter flanked with smaller ...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Watches

Rolex Stainless Steel Oysterdate with Custom Yellow Diamond Dial circa, 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 43mm X Diameter 3...
Category

1960s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Ball Watch Co. Open Faced Railroad Pocket Watch circa 1920
By Ball Watch Company
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Ball Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Open Faced High Grade Railroad Pocket Watch / METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled / Screw O...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Watches

Materials

Gold-filled

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Date with Custom Made Navy Blue Dial circa, 1970's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless Steel CIRCA / YEAR: 1970's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 42mm X...
Category

1970s Swiss Modern Vintage Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 mm Diamond Iced Out 25 Carats Arabic two tone Watch
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Datejust 41 mm Diamond Iced Out 25 Carats Arabic two tone Watch For more details leave us a message Model               Date Just Reference Number Gender Unisex Metal 18K Yell...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Stainless Steel

Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 28 mm Stainless steel 9010 Women’s Watch
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 21 Must de Cartier 28 mm Stainless steel 9010 Women’s Watch For more details leave us a message Model               Must De 21 Reference Number 9010 Gender Unisex Metal Stain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Rolex Link in 18K Yellow Gold 10mm
Located in New York, NY
Rolex Link 18K Yellow Gold Dimension 10mm Condition New
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Datejust 26mm Stainless Steel & Yellow Gold 179173
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A ladies stainless steel and yellow gold 26mm Datejust by Rolex. Featuring a black dial and a yellow gold fluted bezel. Fitted with sapphire crystal and a self-winding automatic move...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex 116718 GMT Master II Green Dial Black Ceramic Bezel 40mm 18K Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116718 Serial: Mixed Serial Year: 2010- Now Model: Rolex GMT Master II Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Black Ceramic Dial: Green Face: ...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Retro Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lady's Watch
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lady's watch in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. The case is rectangular, the bottom beige slightly pricked. The hands enamelled black. Marked Universal Geneve Swiss. On the back,...
Category

1960s French Retro Vintage Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Patek Philippe Twenty 4 4920R-001 Diamond Bezel Chocolate Dial 18K Rose Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 4920R-001 Model: Patek Philippe Twenty 4 Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band: Satin Bezel: 18K Rose Gold & Diamond Bezel Dial: Chocolate Dial with Diamond Hour Markers...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Rose Gold

Montre Ulysse Anguenot
Located in Vannes, FR
Bracelet 15.5cm Boitier carré 2cm Poids : 14g Fond Inox
Category

1660s European Art Deco Antique Watches

Materials

Gold Plate

Montre Ulysse Anguenot
Montre Ulysse Anguenot
$850 Sale Price
20% Off
Corum US Twenty Dollar Coin Yellow Gold Men's Wristwatch
Located in Stamford, CT
Mens Corum 18k yellow gold US Twenty dollar 1904 coin watch. Inside of this timepiece holds a fully serviced and warrantied 18-jewel manual wind movement that keeps precise and accur...
Category

Late 20th Century Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Yacht Master 116622 40mm Rhodium Dial Platinum Steel Box Paper 2018
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 116622 Serial: 1510R*** Year: 2018 Model: Rolex Yacht Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Platinum Dial: Rhodium Grey Dial Face: Sapph...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Omega Seamaster 210.30.42.20.06.001 Ceramic Blue Bezel Grey Dial Steel Box Paper
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 210.30.42.20.06.001 Model: Omega Seamaster Case Material: Stainless Steel Bezel: Ceramic Blue Dial: Gray Wave Dial Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Size: 42mm Includes: ...
Category

Early 2000s Watches

Materials

Steel

Mens Rolex Ref 6550 Oyster Perpetual 33mm 18k Solid Gold 1960s Automatic RJC203
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Luxurious classic, Men's 18k gold Rolex 6550 "Bombe" Oyster Perpetual automatic dress watch, c.1965. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex signed dial, applied in...
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Cartier Santos Yellow Gold Octagon Midsize Automatic Wrist Watch
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1980 Cartier Santos Octagon Mid Size Wrist Watch, 30 M.M. 3 piece Octagon Water proof case, Automatic, self winding movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals, sweep second...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Breitling Chronomat Steel Chronograph – 1940s
Located in Lisboa, PT
Breitling Chronomat Steel Chronograph – 1940s This 1940s Breitling Chronomat is a highly collectible example of early tool watch innovation. Revered among vintage enthusiasts, it fe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Datejust 41 126300 White Roman Dial Stainless Steel Box Paper 2021
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126300 Serial: 8F666*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Datejust 41 Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Stainless Steel Smooth Bezel Dial: Whi...
Category

2010s Watches

Rolex Yacht Master 126622 40mm Rhodium Dial Platinum Steel Box Paper 2021
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 126622 Serial: 47ZF1*** Year: 2021 Model: Rolex Yacht Master Case Material: Stainless Steel Band: Stainless Steel Bezel: Platinum Dial: Rhodium Grey Dial Face: Sapph...
Category

2010s Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ladies President 69158 Factory Diamond Dial Diamond Bezel & Lugs 18K Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 69158 Serial: E443*** Year: 1990 Model: Ladies President Crown Collection Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Factory Diamond Lugs Band: 18K Yellow Gold Bezel: Factory Diamo...
Category

1990s Watches

Materials

18k Gold

Antique, Vintage and Luxury Watches for Sale: Shop Rolex Watches, Omega Watches and Cartier Watches on 1stDibs

Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.

While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind. 

Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory. 

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist

When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors. 

Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.

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